Thank You, Sarah
The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving
(A book review)
This is a fun and inspirational book about the woman who saved the holiday that we know as Thanksgiving. In this book, we learn about how we almost lost Thanksgiving! The author describes Sarah’s life as full of hard work and dedication: becoming the first magazine editor in America, publishing many great American authors, writing poetry, children’s books, novels, and much more. You learn about how it took her 38 years of hard work to bring back our Thanksgiving and make it a national holiday. This is a very inspirational read, with exciting and funny pictures that draw you into the story. This book is great for the whole family!
Fluffy, Delicious, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies!
1 cup packed organic brown sugar ¾ cup softened butter
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon ¾ cup pumpkin purée
1 ⅛ tsp pumpkin pie spice 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
¾ tsp baking powder 1 ½ cup all purpose flour
¾ cup chocolate chips ¾ cup almond flour
1. In a medium mixing bowl beat together the brown sugar and softened butter with an electric mixer until pale in color—about 1 minute. Next, add the pumpkin purée and vanilla extract and whip again until fluffy.
2. Add all-purpose flour, almond flour, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and sea salt. Stir to fully combine. Then fold in the chocolate chips. Place the dough in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes.
3. When the 30 minutes is up, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (176 C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a cookie scooper or tablespoon to measure 1-2 Tbsp amounts of dough onto the pans.
4. We like leaving them in a domed shape instead of flattening them. Place the cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Recipe as written makes about 18 cookies.
5. Bake for 11-14 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is soft.
6. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to fully cool. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days.
Ideas for Games & Activities To Help Show Thankfulness.
1. Get a basket or bowl, some note cards or paper that you can tear into pieces, and pencils to pass around. Give everyone a piece of paper and a pencil, and tell them to draw one thing they are thankful for on the paper. Then fold it up and drop it in the basket as you pass it around. After you have collected everyone’s drawings, mix them up, have everyone take one piece of paper, and guess out loud who drew it.
2. Play charades and try to act out something you are thankful for while everyone else is guessing.
3. Do you have a neighbor or friend who needs to know that you care? You could do something nice to show that you are thankful for them. You could bake fresh pumpkin bread for them and then write a note telling them how thankful you are for them. You could invite them over to your house for dinner and games.
4. Family is a blessing. You could make a treasure hunt all through your house with a big prize at the end. If you have younger siblings, they may really enjoy this. You could also sit with your siblings and read a book by the fire.
Whether you incorporate these ideas or others into your Thanksgiving, I hope you have a blessed time with your family and friends.